Heat Exchanger Design Engineer

X-energy; Rockville (MD); On-site; USD 185,000 - 208,000; Full time

Job summary

X Energy, LLC is seeking a Heat Exchanger Design Engineer in Gaithersburg, MD to lead mechanical design and development of SSCs for nuclear products. The role covers concept development, analysis, prototyping, and commissioning to meet stringent specifications.

The position requires advanced CAD/PLM experience, hands-on hardware delivery, and leadership with less supervision. Expect 4 days in office, up to 10% travel, and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related discipline from an accredited institution.
• Typically 15 years of engineering experience.
• Master's or PhD may substitute for experience as described in qualifications.
• Proficiency with engineering hand calculations.
• Experience with CAD/PLM software (UG/NX, SolidWorks, Pro-Engineer, Teamcenter, Windchill or similar).
• Hardware ownership including manufacturing and testing oversight.
• Hands-on experience delivering hardware in production environments (>1 year).
• Designing mechanical or fluid systems, assemblies or components.

Responsibilities

• Develop mechanical concepts and support SSC design for nuclear safety.
• Coordinate requirements and interfaces with stakeholders and systems engineers.
• Analyze SSCs to ensure performance and compliance with specs.
• Perform hand calculations and analyses for structural, thermal, hydraulic scopes.
• Develop mechanical solutions for X-energy reactors (pressure vessels, piping, internals, graphite).
• Create and maintain CAD models of reactor SSCs.
• Review design work with team, suppliers, and partners.
• Prepare design documents and calculations per procedures.
• Develop V&V plans for analytical tools and toolset qualification.
• Follow quality procedures and configuration management.
• Provide independent reviews of engineering deliverables.
• Lead core tasks with minimal supervision and mentoring.
• Mentor junior team members and stay updated on industry trends.

Skills

Engineering hand calculations

Mechanical design

Nuclear safety awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related discipline

15 years engineering experience

Master's or PhD may substitute years of experience

Tools

UG/NX

SolidWorks

Pro-Engineer

Teamcenter

Windchill

Job description

Our Heat Exchanger Design Engineer is responsible for the engineering design and development of mechanical systems, structures, and components. This includes concept development, evaluation of concepts, analysis of systems, structures, and components for their ability to perform their intended function, and ensuring they meet all technical specifications and requirements. The role will ensure the development of the systems and components through production including any necessary prototyping, testing, and commissioning.

Responsibilities

• Develop mechanical/physical concepts, design and support development of processes to create or identify structures, systems, and components (SSCs) for use in nuclear products or facilities with a focus on nuclear safety.
• Identify, collect, and document applicable requirements, interfaces, design basis and criteria by coordinating with key stakeholders/systems engineers and support identifying applicable industry codes and standards and the direction of project leads and systems engineers.
• Planning and performing the analysis required to assess aspects of the SSCs to ensure they can perform their intended functions and meet technical specifications and design requirements.
• Perform computations utilizing hand calculations and analytical tools for structural, thermal, hydraulic, and other scoping calculations as required at the direction of project leads and systems engineers to ensure SSCs can meet technical requirements.
• Develop innovative mechanical solutions to refine and deploy concepts, technologies, and designs associated with X-energy developed reactors, including pressure vessels and piping, reactor internals, nuclear fuel, and high temperature materials such as graphite.
• Create and maintain CAD-generated engineering models of reactor SSCs.
• Integrate design activities across engineering team members, partners, and suppliers and perform supporting scoping and sizing calculations to downselect design features to meet design requirements using guidance from consensus codes and standards.
• Support the assessment of SSCs for manufacturability as well as assembly and integration considerations at the direction of project leads.
• Write and develop design documentation including design basis documents, technical reports, calculations, and drawings in accordance with applicable procedures.
• Develop Verification and Validation (V&V) plans for analytical tools and support qualification of toolset.
• Perform work in accordance with X-energy quality procedures for design and configuration management to ensure project quality requirements are met.
• Provide independent reviews and acceptance reviews of engineering deliverables and data.
• Lead the execution of the core tasks and responsibilities listed in the Job Profile Task/Responsibilities section of this document, without close supervision and extensive latitude for independent judgement.
• Teach and mentor more junior team members.
• Stay abreast of industry and academic trends, breakthroughs, and best practices.
• Maintain professional demeanor and behavior at all times in all forms of communication.
• Perform other duties as assigned by manager.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, or related engineering discipline (e.g., nuclear aerospace, chemical, etc.) from an accredited institution required.
• Typically, fifteen years of experience in an engineering role required.
• A master's degree in engineering or related field (may include a combination of experience obtained through an academic institution, e.g., design projects, research, or design teams, as well as professional experience) may be in lieu of two years of experience.
• A Ph.D. in engineering or related field (may include a combination of experience obtained through an academic institution, e.g., design projects, research, or design teams, as well as professional experience) may be in lieu of three years of experience.
• Previous experience at X-energy exceeding performance standards may be in lieu of years of experience.
• Proficiency with engineering hand calculations is required.
• Use of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and product lifecycle management (PLM) software. E.g. UG/NX, SolidWorks, Pro-Engineer, Teamcenter, Windchill, or similar.
• Hardware ownership including manufacturing and testing oversight.
• One plus years of demonstrated hands-on experience developing and delivering hardware or manufacturing processes in a production environment is required. May include industry internship experience, hobby, or participation in collegiate engineering projects such as: Formula SAE, Baja SAE, Design Build Fly, Rocket Club, etc.
• Designing and developing mechanical or fluid systems, assemblies, or components.

Location

9801 Washingtonian Boulevard, Gaithersburg, Maryland

Work Site Expectations

4 days in office

Travel Expectations

up to 10% as needed

Hours

Standard office schedule are 8:00am-5:00pm ET, Mon-Fri

Compensation

As required by Maryland and other applicable state law, X Energy, LLC (X-energy) lists the expected compensation range for a publicly advertised job opportunity based upon the job requirements (e.g. education/training, experience, skill sets, etc.). Individual candidates who meet the job requirements for the posted position will be offered a salary within this range based on their respective levels of education/training, experience, and other qualifications unique to them. Salary ranges may vary based on the specific office location and region referenced in the posting to take into consideration differences in cost of living and may not be reflective of all regions. Please note that compensation ranges listed for US job postings reflect base salary only and do not include benefits or other incentives.

Offers within the posted salary range are commensurate with the individual's qualifications for the position, along with a view on internal equity, market data, and room for growth. The salary range for this position is:

$185,000 - $207,500

Position Job Classification

Full time - Exempt

X Energy, LLC offers a robust benefits package that includes a 401K plan with an employer match, Medical/Dental /Vision Insurance, Life and Disability Insurance, Paid Time Off, and a Tuition Reimbursement/Professional Development policy that supports the continuing education of our employees.

An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

X Energy, LLC participates in E-Verify. Please visit the links below for more information about E-Verify and the protection of your Right to Work.

Right To Work Link: If you have the right to work, don't let anyone take it away (e-verify.gov)

E-Verify Participation Link: E-Verify Participation Poster English and Spanish